MICHELLE WOODS FROM BIRKENHEAD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG WITH TUMOUR

Michelle Woods, a resident of Woodward Road in Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside, was found guilty of severe animal neglect involving her pet Staffordshire bull terrier named Sasha. Born on December 8, 1986, Woods’s case drew significant attention after it was revealed that she had left her dog to endure a painful and untreated tumour that grew to the size of a child's football.

The incident came to light when a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA, raising alarms about Sasha's health and well-being. The animal welfare organization responded promptly, dispatching an inspector to Woods’s home in Woodward Road. Upon inspection, the inspector observed Sasha lying on the sofa through a window, but the full extent of her suffering was initially concealed from view.

It was only later, after a thorough examination, that the true severity of Sasha’s condition was uncovered. The dog was suffering from multiple large tumours, including one on her underside that was as big as a child's football, and two others near her genitals, both of which had ulcerated. These tumours had caused her immense pain and discomfort, rendering her unable to move from her resting position on the sofa.

Veterinary assessment confirmed that Sasha had been enduring these health issues for several months, a clear indication of prolonged neglect. The RSPCA inspector Naomi Norris described the scene, stating, “Sasha’s tumours were so large that it is no surprise that she couldn’t move off the sofa. The largest tumour on the underside of her body was the size of a child’s football, and she had another two by her genitals which were the size of golf balls — both of which had become ulcerated. She was clearly in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable.”

Given her critical condition, the veterinary team made the compassionate decision to euthanize Sasha to end her suffering. Inspector Norris emphasized that the neglect was not accidental but stemmed from a failure to seek necessary veterinary care, which Woods claimed was due to financial constraints. She added, “Pet owners have a legal responsibility to seek veterinary treatment for their animals when they require it. There are many organizations out there who can help if there are financial issues. It simply isn’t acceptable to leave an animal to suffer.”

In court, Michelle Woods faced sentencing for her actions. She received an 18-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, along with 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she was ordered to pay costs and charges amounting to £1,135. Her right to keep animals was also revoked for five years; however, this ban expired in October 2022.

This case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the legal obligation to ensure animals receive proper medical care. The tragic case of Sasha serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the need for vigilance among pet owners in Birkenhead and beyond.